Horses, in the same way as us seem to injure themselves quite regularly. Injuries can be caused whilst playing in the field, as a result of getting cast or even through yard related accidents. Physiotherapy can help promote the healing of these injuries and hopefully have your horse feeling as good as new in no time.

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Physiotherapy is suitable for ALL types of horses and ponies, from race and competition horses, to riding horses and family ponies, benefiting all disciplines and abilities. It is important to keep your horse or pony pain free and supple, and it is good practice to have a routine maintenance physiotherapy session regularly, even if you have no perceived issues, as preventative physiotherapy can enable early detection of problems and allow your horse to perform in comfort and to its best ability. 

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Horses are good at compensating for pain by adopting posture and gait and it means you may not notice that they are struggling for some time. So it is important to recognise any signs that maybe their way of letting you know they are in pain.

 

Such as : 

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• Performance Issues : Poor or loss of performance eg refusing jumps 

• Schooling issues: disunited in canter, hollowing or poor in transitions, lack of bend, rushing, inconsistent in the contact, reluctance to engage and use hindlimbs, struggling to work in an outline

• Behavioural issues such as rearing, bucking and napping.

• Change in temperament such as dislike of being groomed, resentfulness towards being tacked up, or being cold backed.

• Lameness

• Lack of gait symmetry and / or straightness.

• Loss of muscle / uneven muscular development.

• Head shaking

• Uneven shoe wear

• Saddle slipping

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I can also help with Conditions associated with Ageing and Injuries or Diseases of:

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• Muscles, Ligaments, Tendon Injuries

• Joints : Arthritis/degenerative joint disease, injury, pain/ swelling/stiffness in joints

• Spinal Pain /problems : Such as disc disease, saddle related pain, Kissing Spines

• Wound Healing

• Movement dysfunction

• Sports injuries

• Post operative rehabilitation following orthopaedic or neurological surgery

• Neurological conditions

• Fractures : treatment and rehabilitation to facilitate healing and restoration of function 

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Treatment techniques aim to accelerate the healing process, aid pain relief, and improve movement, balance and performance, and to help  identify and prevent injury before it happens or becomes chronic.

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Things to know before I treat your horse:

 

I do request that you try and keep your animal dry for this appointment as it is very difficult to palpate and feel through mud, feel free to turn out but if weather is inclement please pop an anorak on.

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Please also ensure you have your tack on site as well, as we may need to see the animal worked under saddle, and we will certainly want to look at the saddle fit  (Note: I am not a qualified saddler).

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I often have my Labradors 'Raven' and the new member of the team 'Reba' with me. Both are pre-loved black labs, please advise if your yard is dog friendly or if they need to remain in the car. ​However if a warm day I do request I can pop them in the shade of a stable if possible. Find out more ABOUT ME >